berkeley, california
simple grandeur meets city chic
A Timeless, Intimate Celebration in Berkeley, California
In May 2025, I had the honor of documenting an unforgettable wedding at the historic Berkeley City Club, a hidden gem tucked in the heart of Berkeley, California. With its timeless architecture and romantic interiors, this iconic Julia Morgan-designed venue provided the perfect backdrop for an intimate and refined celebration.
This Berkeley wedding was a true celebration of understated luxury. The evening was bathed in a golden, candlelit glow. Hundreds of real candles lined the fireplace mantle and tables, casting a warm, romantic ambiance throughout the moody dining room. It was intimate, opulent, and beautifully cinematic—everything a luxury wedding should feel like.
Couture Bridal Style with an Editorial Edge
Our beautiful bride stunned in a couture ivory gown by House of Flora, featuring a basque waist silhouette that nodded to classic bridal fashion while feeling entirely fresh and elevated. Her mantilla lace-edged blusher veil added an ethereal, old-world charm that was pure poetry in motion, especially against the soft candlelight and vintage decor of the club. These editorial touches brought an air of European elegance to this California celebration.
Florals played a starring role in the overall design, with arrangements that blended classic white blooms, lush greenery, and deep reddish plum tones to create a rich, textured palette. This romantic combination echoed the architecture and tones of the venue itself. Moody, luxurious, and deeply personal.
PHOTOS TAKEN ON DIGITAL AND 120 & 35MM FILM
COORDINATION: @events_by_the_bay | PHOTOGRAPHER: @marisapetrinaphoto | VENUE: @berkeleycityclub | FLORIST: @celestial_petals| GOWN: @_houseofflora_ | DESSERT: @cupcakinbakeshop | MAKEUP: @mua.samanthak | DJ/BAND: @jessicathedj
A Wedding Bathed in Candlelight
As guests gathered from all over the country, a deep sense of connection filled the space. Heartfelt toasts were shared under the soft light of antique chandeliers, with the couple seated in front of the ornate fireplace adorned in glowing candlelight. It felt like stepping into a scene from an old film—timeless and deeply emotional. For couples looking for a wedding venue in the San Francisco Bay Area that offers vintage elegance, architectural beauty, and cinematic warmth, Berkeley City Club is a rare treasure. This wedding was a masterclass in how to create an experience that is both intentional and editorial.
As a Bay Area wedding photographer with a documentary-meets-editorial style, I live for weddings like this—where fashion, emotion, and setting come together in effortless harmony. It’s in these quiet, beautiful moments where true love stories unfold.
If you're planning a luxury wedding in Berkeley, Napa, San Francisco, or anywhere in the world, I’d love to help tell your story in a way that’s both deeply honest and artfully timeless.
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